Natural convector
Illustrated Guide to Mechanical Building Services 3rd Edition (BG 31/2017), written by David Bleicher and published by BSRIA in May 2017, suggests that natural convectors: ‘…generally consist of a casing with top and bottom openings, and a finned hot water pipe at low level. The hot water pipe creates an upward convection current of hot air within the casing, pulling room air in at the bottom and pushing hot air out at the top. Some units incorporate a damper to regulate output. Low level convectors are also available which are ideal for placing below full-height windows to counter cold downdraughts. A similar type of unit can also be placed in a trench below the window, leaving only the top grille visible. The main benefit of convectors in comparison to radiators is their greater heat output per unit size and their quicker warm up time.’
See also: Fan convector.
--BSRIA
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
A safe energy transition – ECA launches a new Charter
Practical policy actions to speed up low carbon adoption while maintaining installation safety and competency.
Frank Duffy: Researcher and Practitioner
Reflections on achievements and relevance to the wider research and practice communities.
The 2026 Compliance Landscape: Fire doors
Why 'Business as Usual' is a Liability.
Cutting construction carbon footprint by caring for soil
Is construction neglecting one of the planet’s most powerful carbon stores and one of our greatest natural climate allies.
ARCHITECTURE: How's it progressing?
Archiblogger posing questions of a historical and contextual nature.
The roofscape of Hampstead Garden Suburb
Residents, architects and roofers need to understand detailing.
Homes, landlords. tenants and the new housing standards
What will it all mean?
The Architectural Technology podcast: Where it's AT
Catch-up on the latest episodes.
Edmundson Apprentice of the Year award 2026
Entries now open for this Electrical Contractors' Association award.
Traditional blue-grey slate from one of the oldest and largest UK slate quarries down in Cornwall.
There are plenty of sources with the potential to be redeveloped.
Change of use legislation breaths new life into buildings
A run down on Class MA of the General Permitted Development Order.
Solar generation in the historic environment
Success requires understanding each site in detail.
Level 6 Design, Construction and Management BSc
CIOB launches first-ever degree programme to develop the next generation of construction leaders.
Open for business as of April, with its 2026 prospectus and new pipeline of housing schemes.
The operational value of workforce health
Keeping projects moving. Incorporating unplanned absence and the importance of health, in operations.





















